Are American and European muslims more liberal?

[Dan]

Bismillah

As salam alaikum

I am not giving my opinion just to disagree with you phat but I have honestly observed this trend myself. It will of course depend on what you mean by living in the West. Do you mean people of decent traditionally labeled as western or just people who currently reside in the West?

In my opinion, people who accept Islam tend to be less "liberal" or "moderate" and I only use these terms because they seem to convey the type of people that I am talking about despite the fact that I am unsure of how to be moderate in a religion. Either you believe that Jesus is God or you don't. Either you believe that Islam is a perfected religion sent by Allah or you don't. The rest is taking what one likes and leaving the rest. To me this does not seem as truly accepting a religion. This usually occurs with the less religiously educated people in my experience. Sometimes they may have a specialization in one area of the religion but they will then try to make declarations about aspects of the religion that is outside the realm of their knowledge. It is the equivalent of a cardiologist talking about dental procedures. Sure they both have to have some same basic background knowledge but certainly does not qualify the cardiologist as a dentist. At least, I would not go to him to have a tooth removed.

Back to the topic: I believe that the Middle East and other such areas are built up to be "extreme" (hate that label too). It makes a people more "other". No conspiracy here. It is just that interesting differences sell better that similarities. Would you want to watch a news program about all the Saudis who sit up late into the night, drinking tea and watching movies on their satellite dishes? "Let us observe as these gentlemen discuss thier cellphones, cars, and favorite music." Boring. I mean, we don't even have reports here about what the average family does in their day.

In the communities in which I have been, and the people with whom I have talked, the muslims who adhere to their religion most firmly are definately by far and away the minority. Just as with Christians and Jews, there are muslims who claim Islam by heritage only and really don't practice at all. Then just as their are Christians who sporatically attend church or just go to Christmas and Easter services, there are muslims who follow similar suit.

I will stop now since this is pretty long. Hopefully I answered your question if not let me know.

As salam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu